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Fundamentals of Photography II

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Course Overview

Great photography goes beyond knowing about how lenses and f-stops work. It’s about creative problem solving under real-world conditions. Taking great photographs means knowing how to choose the right tool or apply the right technique to capture your subject in the best possible way. Photographers who wish to excel—professional and recreational alike—need to have a solid foundation of technical skills and the ability to apply that knowledge intuitively to a wide range of scenarios and subjects. For example:

How do professional photographers anticipate and capture "the decisive moment" that separates a snapshot from a great composition?

Under what conditions should you ignore your camera's warnings and push the limits of manual mode to best reflect the scene?

What are the technical tricks and equipment that professionals use to quickly turn harsh lighting, reflections, or cluttered environments to a photographer's advantage?

By exploring, and practicing, the same skills, tips, and techniques professional photographers use in the field to solve a range of visual problems, you can take your photography to a whole new level—no matter what your subject. And you can transform yourself from a good photographer into a great one.

Now, in Fundamentals of Photography II, a vibrant and vital continuation of our best-selling Fundamentals of Photography, you’ll hone your skills, improve your ability to optimize picture-perfect moments, and capture jaw-dropping images. Filmed entirely on location and designed as an extension of the first course, Fundamentals II adds new skills to your repertoire and expands upon the skills you already know. It's your chance to rejoin award-winning National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore for an even deeper dive into the secrets of powerful photography, as he shows you how to apply your hard-learned technical knowledge to take amazing photographs out in the real world. In these 24 lessons, you’ll cover advanced topics like:

professional shooting techniques

night photography and time exposures

working with studio lighting setups—and taking those setups outdoors

specialty filters

shooting over and under water

and much more!

You’ll explore a wide variety of fascinating photographic challenges out in the field, and you’ll spend some time in the studio for an insider’s look at how photographers go through the editing process. Professor Sartore will add more tools to your photographer’s toolbox and, in his words, “unleash everything I’ve ever thought about photography and cover the gamut of what you can do with a still camera.”

Out of the Studio and into the Real World

Professor Sartore has designed this course as a follow up to his wildly popular Fundamentals of Photography course. Mimicking the progression of his in-person workshops, Fundamentals II takes you out of the studio and into the real world as you go on-location and learn to apply the tools and techniques you already have at your disposal. While you are there, he also teaches you a plethora of more advanced techniques, adding to your photographic toolbox of knowledge. Each lesson drops you into a different scenario and lets you shoot alongside a master of the craft as he approaches situations, identifies and overcomes various challenges, and produces engaging, breathtaking photography from seemingly simple events and subjects.

Adapting to unusual lighting: If photography is the art of capturing light, then how do you make the best of situations that challenge you with difficult lighting? Explore how to properly utilize side lighting, ghost lighting, colored lighting, and more.

Black-and-white photography: There’s a unique mood to black-and-white photos. You’ll be surprised at how different the world looks through a monochromatic lens, and how choosing black and white frees you to do things you’d never dream of doing in color.

Smartphone photography: Most of us now take photographs with our smartphones every day—but that’s no excuse to forget the art of great photography. Discover some insider tips and strategies for making the most of your smartphone camera.

During some lessons, you’ll get the unrivaled opportunity to join Professor Sartore on special field assignments—observing a master photographer throughout his creative process, watching him interact with his subjects, consult his photographic instincts, and resolve common challenges in order to tell profound, lyrical stories.

Add to Your Photographer’s Toolbox

Even if you already have a decent-sized toolbox of photographic tips and tricks, Fundamentals of Photography II gives you even more to adapt to what (and where) you’re shooting. Great photography, says Professor Sartore, “takes more tools in the toolbox.” And to that end, he’s packed each of these lessons with specific strategies—many of which will surprise you with just how dramatically they can change the way you take photographs.

If you're working in low ambient light and want to capture a moving target, try employing rear-curtain sync, which triggers the flash towards the end of the shutter duration. The result will be an artistic motion trail recording the movement of the subject with a sharp and highly focused, subject at the end.

Want an interesting aerial perspective on your subject? Depending on the subject, you can just look down on it from your standing height using a wide-angle lens and, here's the real trick, cutting out the frame of reference. This even works well for subjects with geometric or graphic patterns.

Think your chances of taking great outdoor photos end when the sun sets? Think again, as Professor Sartore explores how to use and effectively capture moonlight, starlight, urban lights, and more.

Hone Your Skills with a Master Photographer

What makes Professor Sartore such a rare and delightful photography instructor is that he is an excellent mentor as well as a talented artist. A teacher of the highest caliber, he knows how to share his knowledge and creative process with other photographers (both professional and amateur) in a clear and engaging manner. He makes photography exciting and inspiring. And he doesn’t shy away from highlighting common mistakes and missteps even the most seasoned professionals can make from time to time, making this course valuable for photographers of all levels.

This visually dazzling course is an excellent opportunity to learn from this master photographer, whose photographs have earned him the Best Picture Award from National Geographic magazine and the Veolia Environment Award for wildlife photography—and whose work has been covered by national broadcasts including the CBS News Sunday Morning show, National Geographic’s Explorer, NBC’s Nightly News, and NPR’s Weekend Edition.

“Good is what your mind imagines, but great is often what reality gives you,” says Professor Sartore. And to get great photos, you have to get out there in the field and start looking at the world with your eyes—and your skills—prepared to overcome challenges and find the best story. Consider the 24 lessons of Fundamentals of Photography II your gateway to taking better, richer photos.

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24 lectures

| Average 30 minutes each

1

Find the Picture

Think of photography as visual problem solving. How do you find perfect shots in the midst of crowded “problem areas” like an historic mansion? How about in sparse environments like an abandoned farmhouse? Here, learn savvier ways to find the pictures you want—or may not have known you wanted. x

2

Understanding Light

Light, according to Professor Sartore, is what great photography is all about. In this lesson, he shows you how to take a more measured, thoughtful approach to various light sources, techniques, and effects—including back lighting, side lighting, floor lighting (also known as ghost lighting), and colored lighting. x

3

Working with Light in a Landscape

Landscape photography may seem easy—just a matter of going outside and snapping away—but there’s an art to excellent landscape photographs. And most times, it doesn’t require fancy diffusers and flashes. Discover the secrets of expert landscape photographers, including when to shoot and how to frame your foreground. x

4

Taking Photos under and around Water

Underwater photography is tricky, expensive, and often requires bulky special equipment. But there are certain strategies anyone can use to capture great photographs in aquatic environments. In this lesson, experiment with underwater shots (and have some fun!) using everyday tools like smartphones and a 10-gallon aquarium. x

5

Photographing Reflections and Reflectivity

Reflectivity in photography, when used the right way, can transform the annoyances of reflections and glares into powerful ways to add a splash of brilliance to dark scenes and create layered images. What are the ways you can make reflections work for you instead of against you? Find out here. x

6

Photographing Shadows and Backlighting

Any good photographer, whether professional or amateur, should know how to handle shadows. Here, turn off your camera’s flash and learn how to find (or create) elegant lighting in shadowy scenes—whether it’s diffusing light or highlighting shadows to create dramatic, memorable backdrops. x

7

Big Results from Little Lights

Professor Sartore shows you how to effectively wield the small lights that come with basic cameras. What happens when you take the flash off your camera? Diffuse it with a tissue? Play around with shutter speeds? As you’ll discover, you can get big photographic results from these little lights. x

8

Taking Studio Lights Outdoors

The big lights of studio-lit photography, and the setups involved, don’t have to be so intimidating. First, explore the two basic types of light that studio photographers use. Then, take the studio lights outside and experiment with studio lights plus ambient light—and even turn daytime into night. x

9

Human Portrait Photography

There are average, everyday portraits—and then there are unforgettable portraits. Focus here on candid, environmental portrait photographs outside the studio. You’ll learn professional tips that can allow you to create deeper connections between the portrait’s viewer and its subject. x

10

Animal Photography

From dogs and snakes to ducks and zoo animals, discover the secrets of interesting animal photography—the kind that stands out from the boring pet pictures we’ve all seen before. As you’ll learn, the most important aspects of great animal photography are repeated access and plenty of time and patience. x

11

Night Photography

Great photography doesn’t have to end when the sun sets. Overcome your worries about night photography and sharpen your skills at working with (and capturing) moonlight, starlight, and even urban lights. Professor Sartore walks you through some night scenarios you may never have thought could yield such compelling photographs. x

12

Art Photography: Perspective and Illusions

Art photography can be lyrical, fun, dark, or surprising—but it’s always about going beyond the obvious. Follow Professor Sartore on several shoots and discover how to take photos with a more artistic eye, how to playfully deceive viewers—and how to do it all without the aid of digital post production. x

13

Art Photography: Having Fun

Continue your exploration of more artful photography with a lesson on setting up and shooting funny, bizarre, and outrageous scenes and subjects. How can you use the knowledge and techniques of professional photographers to do something different with these out-of-the-ordinary scenarios? Prepare to think (and shoot) outside the box. x

14

Art Photography: Still Life

Still lifes don’t have to be boring. Here, learn how to add layers of intrigue and dynamism to indoor and outdoor still lifes by changing your perspective, shooting through objects, adjusting your depth of field, and other old-fashioned photography principles. x

15

Black-and-White Photography

Fall in love all over again with black-and-white photography, which looks great in just about any light and allows you to create compositions and moods you could never achieve with color photography. As Professor Sartore demonstrates, it’s a powerful way of getting to the essence of your subject. x

16

Elevating Your Perspective: Photos from Above

For a unique, cleaned-up view of the world, nothing beats an aerial shot. Whether you’re planning on photographing large crowds or vast landscapes, learn some tips for getting yourself up off the ground on the cheap (even a roof balcony provides a new view) and capturing fresh perspectives. x

17

Smartphone Photography

Just because you’re using a smartphone to take photos doesn’t mean you should be satisfied with lackluster shots. Transform how you use your smartphone’s camera and work smarter with panoramic shots, different filters, and much more. The end result: photos that stand out from the millions posted online every day. x

18

The Decisive Moment in Photography

How do professional photographers capture the “decisive moment” in their work? Find out for yourself in this insightful lesson on how photographers anticipate great compositions, how they know when they’ve captured that perfect fleeting moment, and tips for reaching this pinnacle in your own shots. x

19

Live Event Photography: Farmers’ Market

Everyone loves to take photographs of farmers’ markets, with all their colorful bounty of fruits, vegetables, and other tasty treats. But they can actually be quite challenging if you want to go beyond the obvious. Visit a Nebraska market on a summer day and learn how to deal with a variety of obstacles, from crowds to high contrasts between light and shade. x

20

Live Event Photography: T-Ball

Visit a t-ball game to ease into shooting sporting events. Along the way, learn how to use motor drives, fast shutter speeds, and autofocus; how to set up angles; and how to approach action scenes with a keen eye for the story unfolding right in front of you. x

21

Live Event Photography: House Party

If you’re a recreational photographer, chances are you’ll be called upon to shoot a family social event or get-together. By photographing the goings-on at a summer solstice party, you’ll cultivate the skills you need to record special days and capture delightful memories—all while enjoying the party as well. x

22

Live Event Photography: A Day at the Ranch

Take a trip to a beautiful Nebraska Sandhills ranch and watch Professor Sartore overcome visual chaos to capture the drama and action of a day of cattle round ups and branding. Harsh light and fast-moving action challenge you to be at the top of your game. x

23

Live Event Photography: Family Fishing Night

Continue your study of live-event photography with this lesson that takes you to a family fishing trip in Nebraska’s Bohemian Alps. How does an expert photojournalist use establishing shots, detail shots, and interesting lighting effects to tell the (sometimes hidden) stories behind all the fishing, cookouts, and family fun? x

24

Editing, Culling, and Critiquing Your Photos

Once you’re done shooting, it’s time to sit down and edit. But this final lesson isn’t about post-production on your computer. Instead, it’s about visually critiquing your photographs—their backgrounds, lighting, focus, sense of place—and culling them to find the few that truly capture what you want to say. x

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24 lectures on 4 DVDs

129-page printed course guidebook

Downloadable PDF of the course guidebook

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Your professor

About Your Professor

Joel Sartore

National Geographic Photographer

Joel Sartore is a professional photographer and a regular contributor to National Geographic magazine. His assignments have taken him to some of the world's most beautiful and challenging environments and have brought him face to face with a diversity of wildlife in all 50 U. S. states and all seven continents. He was recently named a National Geographic Fellow for his work on The Photo Ark, a multiyear project to document...

Reviews

Fundamentals of Photography II is rated
4.8 out of
5 by
169.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Canadian from
A Satisfying SequelThis was a very appropriate continuation of “Fundamentals of Photography I,” which I also purchased and valued. Both Great Courses were taught by celebrated photographer Joel Sartore. In fact, the present course went beyond what I consider fundamentals to give insight into a professional’s tricks-of-the-trade and topics such as underwater photography, photography with a smartphone, and judicious editing of one’s photo results. Mr. Sartore’s frequent demonstrations of practical problem-solving both in studio and in less controllable situations were especially enlightening. His encouraging you-can-do-it advice, his welcome tips on how photography can be enjoyed inexpensively, and his obvious passion for his own Photo Ark project (aimed at inspiring public concern for endangered animal species) were additional commendable highlights of the course for me.
Joel Sartore’s manner of speaking was humorous and chatty. At times he seemed to be talking himself through a problem-solving sequence in stream-of-consciousness fashion, as much as he was talking students through it. I do not mind per se that sort of style from a presenter, although, in this case, the speaker occasionally left me confused. When he used photographic jargon, I could at least look that up; but when he used slang or what might have been his own personal pet phrases, the meaning was not always clear. One example of what I am describing occurred in Lecture 4, when he was preparing to demonstrate taking an underwater photograph and said, “I have chosen an aperture that’s pretty meaty, f11.” In what sense was that choice meaty? Would it have been a narrower aperture or a wider one that he would have called meatier?
Overall, I highly recommend this course. I have already watched it through twice and intend to do so again.

Date published: 2019-08-22

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Jazzclaw from
Entertaining and informative.I always wanted to do photography. Now I am because of this great wealth of knowledge from Joel that is presented right to me on these video's. The lectures are well organized and structured.

Date published: 2019-08-10

Rated 5 out of
5 by
IvarK from
Excellent follow-up of course IJoel goes through all detailed aspects, deepening in further from course I, well worth the buy and training, I'm preparing to review both courses again, I need at least two views to absorb and remember all the tricks presented.
And I like particularly his approach to get the photo right in the camera, and not to spend hours retouching with a computer, or really just the strict minimum.
This course will teach you the fundamentals and advanced features of how to take good photos, but NOT how to play with software to tweak-up poor shots. For that you will need another course ;)

Date published: 2019-07-08

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Excellent teacher.I just bought this. Actually I have not started to watch it. I am still working through Fundamentals of Photography I and have been greatly helped by it. The teacher is terrific and I look forward to continuing with Fundamentals II when I finish the first one.

Date published: 2019-06-22

Rated 5 out of
5 by
muddrose8 from
Everything is clearly explainedI enjoy the way he walks through photo shots and shows you different angles.

Date published: 2019-06-16

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Shaft from
Great Instructional processThe course was easy to and my learning curve for taking great photos has increased substantially.

Date published: 2019-05-02

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Howie New York from
Excellent presentationI bought this about two months ago and am still watching I’m on chapter 20 of 24 so I’m not completely finished but it is very well put together

Date published: 2019-03-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Hucks Mom from
Excellent Photography TutorialsJoel Sartore is a great teacher. This course expands on the Fundamentals 1 course which provided the basics in a formal way. Fundamentals 2 is more informal and is fun as well as informative. Each lesson provides information on different shooting situations. Joel sets up the shoot and gives various ways of approaching it. He seems to be enjoying himself and his enthusiasm is infectious. He stresses getting the photo correct in the camera so one does not have to do a lot of post processing. This may be old school but it is important if one really wants to understand photography. I also appreciated that camera setting were added to the screen after shots were taken. I will return to this course when I am faced with shooting a situation that I don't normally do such as long exposures at night.